May 24, 2006

NELSON HOUSE—The Nelson House Community Council, the Province of Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro today signed a settlement agreement that will address effects of past hydroelectric development in the Nelson House area.

The Nelson House Community Council is a Northern Affairs community represented by a mayor and council located adjacent to the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation reserve.

Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Oscar Lathlin participated in the signing ceremony today. The agreement provides for financial contributions of $1.2 million over nine years. Following the signing, funds will be administered through a trust fund for the benefit of Nelson House Community Council. The settlement agreement was ratified by community referendum.

"The signing of this agreement is evidence of our government’s commitment to addressing past hydro developments and is key to increasing economic development opportunities," said Lathlin. "We are pleased that our partnerships with Aboriginal people continue to help make positive differences in our communities."

"This is another step forward in resolving impacts from past projects and this helps the community move forward," said Bob Brennan, president and chief executive officer of Manitoba Hydro.

"Today’s signing reaffirms the government’s commitment to a relationship of fairness and goodwill with Aboriginal people on hydro developments," said Energy, Science and Technology Minister Dave Chomiak, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro.

"This settlement will help us move on and continue to develop our community," said Bella Leonard, mayor of Nelson House.

In addition to the financial contributions, the agreement provides a process for Manitoba Hydro and the Nelson House Community Council to conduct shoreline maintenance, maintain a community dock and continue ongoing communication. The federal government was not a party in these settlement arrangements.

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